Nagaland polls: Congress forms 5 member screening committee

Jan 11 Congress has constituted a five member screening committee under the Chairmanship of senior party leader, M. Veerappa Moily for forthcoming Nagaland Assembly election. In a statement, the party said that the other members of the committee include party leader Mukul Washnik and party state president. 3 killed in TN fire accident Jan 11 In Tamil Nadu three persons were killed today in a fire accident in fire cracker factory near Chinnampally village near Sattur in Virudhunagar district. The fire has been brought under control by firefighters. Puducherry to soon launch Pentavalent Vaccine in all four districts of State Jan 11 The Government of Puducherry will soon launch the Pentavalent Vaccine in all four districts of the State. The vaccine provides protection against five life threatening diseases - Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib. By launching the Pentavalent vaccine, around 22 thousand children, in the age group of zero to one year will be saved from these diseases in the Union Territory. A Media Engagement Workshop in this regard was held today in Puducherry. Speaking on the occasion, the Director of Health Services, Govt. of Puducherry, Dr. K.V. Raman said the decision to use the Pentavalent vaccine will result in tremendous logistical conveniences. Since five vaccines are stored in a single vial, a lot of space will be freed up for storage and transportation. He also said, a single auto-disable syringe will be used instead of three, thereby substantially reducing the plastic and sharp waste as well. Dr. Chandrakanth Laharia of World Health Organisation told that Pneumonia is the leading cause for under-five child mortality in India. He also added that this is an important step by the Government to ensure that preventable deaths caused by Pneumonia and meningitis are addressed. Dy. Director (Immunization), Dr.N.L.N.Sarma, Senior Officials from Health Department, Media persons participated in the Workshop. K’taka slated to achieve foodgrain production of 125 lakh metric tonne this season Jan 11 Karnataka is slated to achieve a foodgrain production of 125 lakh metric tonne in this season, despite drought in 146 taluks. The State agriculture minister Umesh Katti informed this during Agri directory release in Bangalore today. He said sowing was done only on 62 lakh hectare instead of targeted 74 lakh hectare due to drought. Saying that forthcoming budget will lay emphasise on Agriculture sector, he said that he has sought 2600 crore rupees in the budget for this sector. Pointing at sporadic supply of power for pumpsets, he informed that agriculture department is planning to tap solar energy for this purpose. He further added that drip irrigation and supply of high yielding seeds will receive greater impetus. Mr.Katti said three lakh Scheduled Castes and Tribes families will benefit under Special Component Plan and Tribal Sub Plan.